Come morning, and little Jade was already up and about . He stood on a pile of scraps next to their shack looking around with a foolish grin on his face.
He was testing his Dual pupil ability on everything he set his eyes on .Marveling at the new perspective on the world.
Jade was having the time of his life, his dual pupils dancing across the junkyard like a kid in a candy store. He was seeing through pipes, reading the auras of giant rats -who looked like they were having a major existential crisis, if Jade's giggling was any indication-, and generally looking like a little weirdo with a superpower.
Niamh stepped out of the shack, and her eyes landed on Jade, her face softening into a warm smile. She watched, amused, as he gazed intently at a pile of trash, his face scrunched up in concentration. For a moment, she just stood there, taking in the sight of Jade's joyful chaos, her heart full of love for this little ball of energy.
She had no idea what he was doing, but she knew it was adorable, and that was all that mattered. With a chuckle, Niamh shook her head and went back to work, her smile still plastered on her face as she thought about Jade's antics.
After frolicking around for a while. Jade finally settled down. Looking towards Niamh in the distance, preparing for the day's work, he thought about his quest and how he would go about convincing her.
Steeling his resolve, he moved towards her revising his words in his mind .
Jade sat on the little heap beside Niamh, who was sorting through a pile of scrap metal. "Hey, Niamh, I've been thinking," he said, his voice casual. "How about moving to the city ?... You know..... I got resources from the dungeon, and maybe it's time we considered moving out of the junkyard." Jade proposed while paying attention to the change in Niamh's emotions through her aura.
Niamh looked up, her eyes clouding over with a mix of emotions. "Jade, the city isn't safe for you," she said, her voice laced with anxiety. "You're an omega, and... things could get complicated. And I don't want to use your treasure, Jade. You've worked hard for that. It's yours."
Jade's face set in a determined expression. "Niamh, it's not just mine. It's ours. And we need it to start a new life. We can't keep living in the junkyard. There really isn't much out here, and you know that." Niamh's aura shifted to a muted gray-blue, revealing her worry and concern. "But Jade, you're just a child. It's my job to take care of you, not the other way around. I don't want you to feel like you have to provide for me."
Jade's eyes welled up with emotion as he watched Niamh's aura pulse with a warm sage green, revealing her love and concern for him. "Niamh, I know I'm a child, you don't have to remind me all the time ". Jade said with a pout. Earning him a soft chuckle from Niamh. " Plus, I also want to take care of you Niamh ,We can use the treasure to get started, and then we'll find a way to make more money. We can survive." He added.
Niamh's gaze lingered on his, her expression torn between worry and determination. "But how, Jade?. Do you have any ideas?"
Jade hesitated, unsure if he should reveal his secret. But Niamh's aura showed her desperation, and he knew he had to tell her. "I... I know alchemy, Niamh. I can make potions and sell them."
Niamh's eyes widened in surprise. "Alchemy? Jade, how did you learn that?" Jade's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "I don't know, Niamh. It just... appeared in my head after I awakened my eyes. I guess I'm just a natural."
Niamh's aura shifted to a skeptical shade, and she narrowed her eyes. "Jade, you're not telling me everything are you ?". She stared at him intently trying to see through his playful smirk."But I don't care", she continued ."I just want us to be safe. If alchemy is what it takes, then I'll support you."
Jade's face relaxed, relieved that Niamh was willing to trust him. He knew he'd spun a convincing lie, and although Niamh suspected the truth, he was glad she wasn't prying. She had always been like that - supportive , even though she knew Jade had a lot of mystery surrounding him- ,she didn't ask too much unless he wanted to share.
Niamh's gaze lingered on his, her expression softening. "Okay, Jade. We'll use the treasure to get started. But promise me one thing: you'll be careful, and you'll always tell me if you're having a hard time." Jade nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for lying to Niamh. But he knew it was for the best.
Niamh and Jade worked together, packing up their belongings in a flurry of activity. Niamh was fussing over Jade, making sure he had everything he needed. "Jade, wear this scarf, it'll help hide your...features. And don't forget to wear your hat, it'll keep your hair out of your face."
Jade rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Niamh, I'm fine. I can take care of myself." Niamh flicked his forehead, her eyes sparkling with worry. "Don't be silly, Jade. You're a baby, and you need to be more careful."
"And there she goes again " he muttered, earning him another forehead flick.
As they packed, Niamh continued to nag Jade about everything from wearing warm clothes to being careful around strangers. Jade teased her, making light of her concerns, and Niamh playfully scolded him, flicking his forehead whenever he got too cheeky.
"Jade, be serious for once. You don't know the kind of people who inhabit the city." Niamh said, her brow furrowed.
"I'll be fine, Niamh. I'll be careful, I promise," Jade assured her, holding up his hands in a placating gesture.
Niamh's gaze lingered on his, her eyes softening. "Good boy". She said ruffling his hair.
Jade smiled, feeling all warm and fuzzy at Niamh's care. 'This is what having a mother feels like huh ?'. He thought looking and Niamh busying herself while nagging him. He didn't hate this feeling.
The atmosphere was warm and lively, filled with the sound of their laughter and playful bickering.
As they finished packing, Niamh stepped back, her eyes scanning Jade's face. "Sigh, Your face alone is enough to draw attention, Jade."
Jade grinned, raising his chin in mock pride, " Well , what can I do Niamh, it's not my fault I was born handsome". He said , playfully rubbing his chin .
Niamh bursted out laughing at his words while thinking to herself. 'You'll come to regret those words soon' hehe.
"But seriously , we need to do something about it , especially your eyes . We don't need the attention, it could do more harm than good " she said.
"Don't worry Niamh, I'll just cover my eyes . I can see without opening them anyway. " He replied
"What do you mean ?", Niamh asked curiously.
Then Jade proceeded to explain his discoveries about his talent to Niamh.
Breathing a sigh of relief, they completed all final preparations, with jade storing everything they needed on their journey in his inventory. Which earned him a proud pat on the head from Niamh.
After sorting through the day's work, Niamh didn't go on any of her scavenging missions since they had decided to leave the next day.
The day passed with both of them bickering and preparing,creating a warm sight .
....
Lying on his makeshift bed, Jade gazed at the roof , his heart pounding in anticipation for the journey they were soon to embark on. He was finally venturing out of the place he had stayed for 7 years after arriving in this world.
Niamh had gone to the city occasionally to get their necessary supplies every month ,but she had never brought Jade along . Always worrying that he might attract unwanted attention. So, he had always stayed at home waiting for her.
Looking at his status window again, he nodded to himself in confidence. He would be able to protect them on the journey.
He then finally closed his eyes in sleep. His brain conjuring different scenerios of how the journey might go and presented them in his dreams...
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Phew ... our baby finally living the starting village... 👏🏽
Do y'all want his journey to be smooth until they reach the next city or do y'all want a rocky journey?
And if you have any suggestions about anything I missed . Let me know , an honest review is always appreciated but please keep it polite 🤗
Thank you all for reading 😊😊